Tub Barrier

ABSTRACT

A method and system for reducing space in a standardized tub thereby reducing the amount of water needed to provide sufficient depth to give a bath to a child, small adult, or an animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/503,062 filed Jun. 30, 2011 entitled “Tub Barrier”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention is directed generally to a method and system for reducing space in a standardized tub thereby reducing the amount of water needed to provide sufficient depth to give a bath to a child, a small adult, or an animal.

2. Related Art

Tubs in homes generally have fairly standardized shapes and sizes. Tubs are generally configured to allow a full size adult when sitting or reclining to be substantially immersed in the water. Today, most adults use showers instead of taking a bath in a bathtub. The most common use of a tub in a home is to give a child or an animal a bath. Given the size difference between adults and most children and animals, rarely does the complete length of a tub need to be used in bathing children and animals. However, the tub must still be filled to a sufficient depth of water across its entire length, which requires many gallons of heated water. In many areas throughout the world, the amount of water available for use is restricted or is very expensive, creating a desire to conserve water whenever possible. In addition, heated water is expensive. As to date, there has been no easy and convenient method and system to give children or animals bathes using less water, particularly less heated water while still maintaining a sufficient depth for an effective and pleasurable bath experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a method and system for reducing water volume in a standardized tub, required for bathing a child, small adult or an animal while still providing sufficient depth of water for a pleasurable bath experience.

The present invention uses a barrier or tub wall that may be inserted at any point along the tub that forms to most shapes of standardized tubs. The barrier removably seals to the inner surface of the tub with a substantially waterproof seal thereby reducing the amount of length of the tub that will be filled with water. Such a reduction in length of the tub being filled with water also allows a reduction in the amount of water required to fill the desired portion of the tub with water to a sufficient desired depth. In many cases, the use of the present invention may allow a user to cut or reduce water usage by up to 70%.

The present invention is further directed to a barrier for a tub having a seal having a lower cross portion, side portions, and an intersection portion located between said cross portion and each side portion and wherein said seal includes at least one integral cavity extending through one of said side portions, one of said intersection portions and at least partially into said lower cross portion; and a center portion having an outer extent and wherein said outer extent is bounded on at least three sides by said seal. The cavity may also extend without interruption through said lower cross portion, each of said intersection portions and each of said side portions, such that only a single cavity exists.

The center portion includes an upper edge coupled to an upper support capable of extending beyond said side portions. The upper support is configured to engage the tub walls, and may be spring loaded. The upper support may include at least one of suction cups and bumpers, or other mechanisms capable of frictionally securing the barrier to the walls of the tub.

The cross portion and side portions may be displaced from one another, along the longitudinal extent of the tub, to create a concave/convex shape. The seal may include a spout opening allowing said cavity to be filled with water or other materials by the user, and allows the barrier to be folded and packed away in a minimum amount of space. The spout opening may be sealable, and configured such that when inserted, the water is above the opening of the spout.

The center portion may include an upper edge having an upper rib including a rib cavity and wherein said rib cavity is configured to float in water. In some examples, the seal includes a flat baffle extending therefrom and wherein the flat baffle is configured to engage the tub. The seal may include at least three flat baffles, such as at least one extending from each of the cross portion and the sides. In some examples, the flat baffle may include suction cups.

The center portion and said seal may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material, or integrally formed from two sheets of material pressed together, with the cavity included. To prevent overfilling, the center portion may include overflow outlets.

The spout opening on the side portions may be spaced a distance from the cross portion and wherein the overflow outlets are located within the distance on the center portion, between the spout openings and the cross portion.

If the center section is not integrally formed with the seal, the seal may include one of a slot for receiving said center portion, or an attachment rib wherein the center portion is sealingly coupled to the attachment rib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary assembled barrier having a center portion and a seal;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the exemplary seal from FIG. 1 for use with the barrier;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary barrier installed into a bathtub using suction cups;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary barrier;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary plug used in the barrier in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary sheet used in the barrier in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the barrier in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary seal used in the barrier in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary center position used in the barrier in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary barrier installed in a tub;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the barrier in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary barrier;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view of the barrier in FIG. 12, along lines 13-13 of the insert sheet in FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplar seal; and

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the seal in FIG. 14, along lines 15-15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is generally directed to a tub wall or barrier 10 for insertion into a tub 2. The tub 2 generally has a longitudinal extent along its length and a lateral extent along its width. The barrier 10 is configured to be installed in the tub 2, aligned with the lateral extent. The tub 2 has a floor 4 and sidewalls 6 meeting at an edge 8, having a radiused curve. The height of the sidewall 6, width of the floor 4, the curve of the edge 8, angle of the sidewalls 6 relative to the floor 4 and to each other may vary between tubs 2. However, substantially, all tubs 2 have dimensions that are sized within a desirable range to fit average sized adults and fit within standard spaces in residential construction. The barrier 10 is configured for easy installation in such tubs 2.

The barrier 10 generally has a center sheet 70 and a seal 20 that are substantially formed in the cross sectional shape of the tub 2. The center sheet 70 and seal 20 may be formed in a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations as illustrated in the Figures. For example, the barrier 10 may be formed from an integral center section 70 and seal 20, or a center section or sheet 70 that is inserted into a slot on a seal wherein the seal 20 engages the tub sidewalls 6 and floor 4 upon installation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the center sheet 70 may have a rib stiffener 72 at the upper end and may also have overflow outlets 74 as illustrated on the edges of the center sheet 70 near the seal 20 in FIG. 1. The rib stiffer 72 may be formed integrally with the center portion 70, in part or in whole, or be separately attached member.

The seal 20, illustrated in FIG. 1, has a sealing edge 24 opposite the slot 22. The sealing edge 24 may be configured in any desired configuration capable of sealing to the sidewalls 6. The illustrated sealing edge in FIG. 2 includes indentions 26 to improve sealing to the sidewalls 6. The seal 20 may further include a cavity 28 that may be configured to allow the seal 20 to closely mold to the sidewalls 6.

The barrier 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3 without the seal 20 to show an upper support 30, holding at least the center portion 70 at the upper edge 76 to the tub walls 6. The upper support 30 may not be needed, but is useful in some tubs 2 at ensuring the barrier 10 stays properly positioned, even at higher water levels, especially when there is an active child in the tub 2 creating waves of water. The upper support 30 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as having a support member 32 coupled to suction cups 34. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the center portion includes attachment features 36, such as the illustrated rib or pocket in FIG. 3. The suction cups 34 may be provided in a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations and may also be of the type that has ability to screw outward to provide additional pressure to hold the barrier 10 in place.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the seal 20 may be formed out of a rubber or plastic flexible material that allows a bladder to be filled with water or a material denser than the water and be placed in the tub to create the desired barrier 10. As with the static seal illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the more flexible seal being illustrated in FIGS. 10-15 allows easier conformation to a variety of tubs 2. By providing the spout opening 40, which allows the cavity 28 and the seal 20 to be filled with water or some other material, the barrier 10 is held in place by a weight of water or other material filling the cavity 28 in the seal 20. It has been surprisingly found that if only water is used to fill the cavity 28, which has the same density as the water in the tub, this barrier 10 provides a surprisingly good seal to the tub walls due to its configuration. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the seal 20 includes a lower cross portion 52 from which sides 50 extend upward. The sides 50 and lower cross portion 52 bound the center portion 70 and as stated above, may be integrally formed with the center portion 70. By providing a spout opening 40 which is sufficiently high above the desired water line illustrated in FIG. 10, additional weight of the water may be added in the sides 50 to the cavity 28 that create a downward force, ensuring that the barrier 10 stays sealingly engaged against the floor 4 and sidewalls 6 of the tub 2. In addition, the illustrated configuration, size, and shape of the seal 20 illustrated in FIGS. 10-15 provides characteristics that are helpful in ensuring that the barrier 10 sealingly engages the tub 2.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the intersection 54 of the sides 50 and lower cross portion 52 of the seal illustrate that the sides 50 are longitudinally, relative to the tub's dimensions, displaced from the lower cross portion 52. This displacement along the longitudinal extent of the tub 2 increases the ability of the barrier 10 to sealingly engage against the floor 4 and sidewalls 6 of the tub 2. Although the water line is illustrated in FIG. 10 as filling the concave portion of the barrier 10, it may easily be turned around so that the water line engages the convex side of the barrier 10. The barrier 10 illustrated in FIG. 10 does not include a support member 32 engaging the upper rib 38. Instead, the barrier 10 has been formed with a cavity which may be air tight causing it to float on top of the water if the water line is raised high enough. Therefore, while some movement in height of the barrier 10 may be possible, it will still stay sealingly engaged to the tub to prevent water from passing over the barrier in most circumstances. However, it is preferred that the water line be at least somewhat lower than the spout opening 40 so that the additional weigh to of the water in the cavity 28 of the sides 50 provides down force to the barrier 10 holding it sealingly engaged in place. It should be recognized that due to the angle of the spout when being filled and then capped, the water level in the cavity may be much higher than the spout opening when placed in the tub.

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the barrier 10 may include baffles 44 attached to the sides 50, as well as the lower cross portion 52. These baffles 44 may extend along outwardly from the barrier 10 along the surfaces of the floor and sidewalls in a single direction or both directions. The baffles 44 may be configured to further sealingly engage the sidewall 6 and floor 4 of the tub or to hold the barrier 10 in place. It is expected that these baffles 44 would engage the tub without the use of adhesive improving the usability of the barrier 10. For example, the barriers 44 may be just static stuck to the tub floor and sidewalls 4, 6 or in some cases may include minor suction cups on the underside such that the barrier 10 remains sealingly engaged in place by the seal 20 even when a very active toddler is splashing large waves of water against the barrier 10. More specifically, the baffles being suction cupped to the tub provide additional stability and support to the seal 20 even when it does not include an upper support member such as the upper support member 32 illustrated in the other Figures. The small suction cups 56 may be seen in FIG. 11, although the barrier in FIG. 10 is formed without them. The suction cups are small and similar to that used in bath mats which provide easy attachment to the tub 2. FIG. 11 also illustrates in greater detail the cavity 42 in the upper rib 38. The barrier illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be formed out a single sheet of flexible material. For example, the barrier 10 may be formed out of a rubber, latex, polypropylene, polynitrile, nylon fabric, polyvinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, elastomeric materials, or any other material capable of forming the barrier 10 and functioning to hold it sealingly engaged to the tub 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the seal 20 may be formed integrally with the center portion 70. The seal 20, specifically the cavity 28, may come pre-filled from the factory with a material to create sufficient density in the cavity 28 illustrated in FIG. 13. Of course, the seal 20 may be opened at the upper ends 58 allowing easy filling and emptying of the cavity 28 and the seal 20. The seal 20 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is formed integrally with the center portion 70. The center portion 70 may be welded such as a hot melt weld to the seal 20 or may be molded as a single piece with the center portion 70. The center portion 70 as illustrated in FIG. 12 may be formed with stiffening ribs 84. The center portion 70 at the upper edge 76 may include the rib stiffener 72 integrally formed therewith or otherwise coupled to the center portion 70. The rib stiffener 72 is illustrated as having a cavity through which a spring loaded support member 32 extends. Instead of suction cups as illustrated in the prior exemplary barriers, the support member 32 includes soft bumpers 33 to engage the sidewalls 6 of the tub 2. As further illustrated in FIG. 12, the overflow outlets 74 may be included. The overflow outlets 74 are configured in height to be less than the height of the upper ends 58 such that the when the seal 20 is filled, the water level will never extend above the height of the seal 20. More specifically, if the seal is filled to the top of the upper end 58, the weight of the water in seal, specifically the cavity 28 pressing downward, will always be greater than that of the water level pushing against the barrier 10 in the tub. Therefore, if the seal 20 is filled with water which will have approximately the same density as the water in the tub, the water extending above the overflow outlet 74 and the seal 20 will ensure that the seal will remain sealingly engage against the tub 2. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the overflow outlets 74 punched in the center portion 70 are located between the spout opening 40 and the lower cross section 52 to ensure that the cavity 28 in the seal may be filled with a water level that will maintain its height above the water level in the tub.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a barrier 10 in which the seal 20 is made separately form the center portion 70. The barrier 10 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 would have a similar center portion of that of FIG. 12 or FIG. 10, however, the center portion 70 is made to be interchangeable or added later. It is expected that the center portion 70 is used with the seal 20 in FIGS. 14 and 15 would sealingly engage the attachment rib 60. A spout opening 40 may also be seen on the seal 20.

It is expected that the seal 20 in most instances will be formed with a gradual rise from the center of the lower cross portion 52 to the outer edge such as where the lower cross portion forms the intersection 54 between the sides 50 and lower cross portion 52. More specifically, in most instances there will be about a 5 to 15 mm rise from the center of the lower cross portion 52 to the start of the intersection 54. The intersection 54 will typically then rise about 15 to 50 mm in an increasingly radiused curve which at its midpoint then declines to an extending curve. More specifically, extending from the junction of the intersection 54 and lower cross portion 52, the curve tightens but then as it further extends to the sides, it expands. It is expected that the intersection portion 54 will have an approximate length of 90 to 110 mm. Of course, the above given measurements are exemplary to fit most tubs 2, however special seals 20 having different sizes, shapes and configurations may be form-fitted to different tubs 2.

This durable barrier 10 that acts as a tub divider reduces the in-use area of a bathtub, making it more suitable for a variety of uses, including the bathing of infants and toddler. The barrier 10 is an environmentally sound conservation tool that reduces water consumption considerably—as much as 13 gallons each time an infant or toddler is bathed. While the barrier 10 was designed with a child's bath time in mind, it is also great for bathing dogs, washing clothing, or any other use for which a more moderately sized washtub might serve.

To install the barrier 10, the user would typically hold the barrier 10 over the tub perpendicular to the length of the tub and at a 45° angle. The barrier is lowered into the tub until the seal rests on the floor of the tub. If the barrier has a fillable seal, this should be filled prior to insertion. If the barrier 10 includes an upper support 30 that engages the tub 2, this should be set after the seal 20 is firmly engaged to the tub 2.

To bathe a toddler, the tub in front of the barrier 10 is filled with water to a depth of about one to four inches below an overflow outlets 74, depending on the size of the child, or to approximately less than an indicated maximum water level on the barrier. A mark may be included on the barrier indicating the proper water level for infant or toddler bathing before the infant or toddler is placed in the tub 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the center portion 70 may include drain outlets 78 that may include a drain plug 80. The center section 70 may include a handle cut out 82 to allow easy assembly and disassembly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the barrier 10 may include an integral formed center portion 70 and seal 20. The tub wall 10 may be formed from a single sheet of pliable material folded over on itself, or two or more individual pieces coupled together. More specifically, the barrier 10 is formed from two sheets of adjoining material with the integral seal portion having a cavity 28 that may be filled with water at the illustrated spout opening 40. Of course, other materials, such as sand may be used to fill the cavity 28 to make sure the barrier 10 does not float. The center portion 70 generally includes an upper rib 38 to provide structural rigidity to the center portion 70. The upper rib 38 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as being sealed, such as with an air pocket, and may be configured to float. An optional baffle 42 may be added to include the water sealing capabilities of the tub wall 10. The baffle 42 may be integrally formed with the seal 20, and even with the center portion 70 in some configurations. FIG. 10, similar to some other Figures, includes a line labeled WL which symbolizes the water level. 

1. A barrier for a tub comprising: a seal having a lower cross portion, side portions, and an intersection portion located between said cross portion and each side portion and wherein said seal includes at least one integral cavity extending through one of said side portions, one of said intersection portions and at least partially into said lower cross portion; and a center portion having an outer extent and wherein said outer extent is bounded on at least three sides by said seal.
 2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said cavity extends without interruption through said lower cross portion, each of said intersection portions and each of said side portions.
 3. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said center portion includes an upper edge coupled to an upper support capable of extending beyond said side portions.
 4. The barrier of claim 4 wherein said upper support includes at least one of suction cups and bumpers capable of engaging the walls of the tub.
 5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said cross portion and said side portions are displaced from one another, along the longitudinal extent of the tub.
 6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said seal includes a spout opening allowing said cavity to be filed with water.
 7. The barrier of claim 6 wherein said spout opening is sealable.
 8. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said center portion includes an upper edge 76 having an upper rib including a rib cavity and wherein said rib cavity is configured to float in water.
 9. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said seal includes a flat baffle extending therefrom and wherein said flat baffle is configured to engage the tub.
 10. The barrier of claim 9 wherein said seal includes at least three flat baffles, at least one extending from each of the cross portion and the sides.
 11. The barrier of claim 9 wherein said flat baffle includes suction cups.
 12. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said center portion and said seal are integrally formed from a single sheet of material.
 13. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said center portion and said seal are integrally formed from two sheets of material pressed together.
 14. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said center portion includes overflow outlets.
 15. The barrier of claim 14 further including at least one spout opening on said side portions and wherein said spout opening is spaced a distance from said cross portion and wherein said overflow outlets are located within said distance on said center portion, between said spout openings and said cross portion.
 16. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said seal includes a slot for receiving said center portion.
 17. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said seal includes an attachment rib and wherein said center portion is coupled to said attachment rib. 